Andrew Hacket – författare

As Hope huddles on the shore, feeling big feelings of sadness, Sea approaches. First a gentle wave, then a misty spray, followed by the toss of a seashell, and a race along the shoreline. With each overture from Sea, Hope's heart opens just a bit more, until finally a burst of laughter escapes and her loneliness recedes along with the waves. With its gentle and poetic language, this uplifting story looks at the importance of friendship and encourages children to open their hearts to the world around them.

"Comforting for the timid, empowering for the anxious, affirming for students and teachers alike.”–Kirkus ReviewsIn This Classroom is a heartwarming celebration of the school year, capturing the joy, struggles, and growth of students and teachers as they embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship, and personal achievementIn Andrew Hacket’s classroom manifesto, young readers are invited into a vibrant and supportive classroom where they can explore the beauty of making mistakes, embracing challenges, and celebrating unique differences. This empowering picture book helps children understand that school is a place of opportunity, where they will learn from setbacks, support each other through difficulties, and ultimately grow in ways they never imagined. With whimsical illustrations and a message of perseverance and community, In This Classroom encourages every student to feel valued, confident, and excited about the endless possibilities a new school year brings. This book is not just for students—it’s for teachers too, as it provides a framework for fostering a positive classroom environment where every child can thrive. Whether read at the beginning or end of the school year, In This Classroom is a heartfelt reminder that the journey of learning is a shared experience, and together, we can achieve greatness.

Ollie Alexander Kandersteen, successful amateur gardener, longs to be a tree: Strong. Tall. And mighty enough to stand up to Everett, the bully next door. Ollie is rather short for his age, and when things are too heavy or too high to reach, Everett is sure to point it out. Ollie wilts, he withers. Inside and out, he feels small.But when Everett, feeling jealous of Ollie’s gardening skills, steals Ollie’s sapling, an idea takes root…“I couldn’t. I shouldn’t.”But he does! Ollie SWALLOWS an acorn. He waits, wonders, and rumbles … Burp!With a little care and cultivation, a tree-mendous transformation begins! Ollie’s feet root, his arms branch, his locks leaf, and his limbs stretch to the clouds. He’s finally strong and tall enough to confront Everett. But when he does, he finds out that being the biggest doesn’t always mean you’re the mightiest and getting even with a bully might just make you feel smaller than ever.